Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Acy.
Hi Dana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I have been a surety bail bonds agent for almost 20 years. I am also a life insurance broker. What most people do not realize is it’s another form of Insurance. It is not the future I had planned but life is full of surprises I am happy to be in the insurance industry. At first, I thought maybe I’m crazy to choose such an unconventional career. After I thought about it, I saw a chance to help many families at one of the most stressful times of their lives. In my childhood and in my neighborhood, prison was almost expected. There was only one reason for my decision and it was to finish the dream of my stepfather who died in federal prison. I was taught by the time I could talk to do everything you can to help your people meaning other African Americans. When I was a baby my stepfather Abdul Razzaaq moved us to Washington DC to live with other Muslim families. The basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had donated a mansion called the Islamic Center. That is where we worshipped, had school, and celebrated each other. It was beautiful to see all like-minded people coming together with the same goals, and that was each one teach one. Also, it was that everyone must contribute for the greater good of the whole no matter your age, appearance, or status. Back in the ’70s, racism was at an all-time high and the government thought we should be watched. The Muslim community had a separate but equal belief, but that wasn’t a progressive ideal in those times. The black men felt harassed and insulted by our government after countless inquiries on what’s going on in our community and in our homes.
Fate took a horrible turn when they decided to retaliate against our government for harassment of their families. The incident made world news and was called the 1977 siege of Washington DC. I believe it was 12 men including my stepfather held a building hostage because they wanted everyone to know how bad racism had affected their homes and children. It didn’t end well and after serving over 20yrs in federal prison, I think my stepfather died of heartbreak. I didn’t totally understand at the time. He sacrificed everything for me to be totally independent with all rights as any other civilian. He sent me books and talked to me about ownership and how to conduct business from prison. It went way over my head. I let him die there without telling him thank you for loving me that much. I’m not proud of that. I realized that bail bonds gave me a bridge to help other families that have been through the trauma of the prison system. I can honor my father by finishing his work. I help families navigate the justice system and let them know what resources are available to them before and after prison. I treat them with respect and dignity because it’s the right thing to do. What I do is not only to honor my father but because I am an admirer of God’s work. Human beings are a masterpiece of creation. People are beautiful and unique. Every day I am surrounded by art in motion. Once you begin to see your fellow brothers and sisters this way
you understand the mission is to help and do no harm. The goal is to leave this world better than you found it. There is no other way I want to be, and there’s no higher calling than to be of service.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of my biggest challenges is to remember I am not anyone’s judge. When you are deciding to help a family get their loved one out of jail there is still other factors involved. This person has been accused of a crime in our society, and there is a victim in most cases that wants justice. Ultimately, I want to make sure I am completely doing my due diligence in every case. Some defendants get scared and don’t come back to court. I was the boss of what is commonly known as bounty hunters for a few years. The legal term is recovery agents or Bondsman. I never thought about it but turns out I was pretty good at it. As the boss, I was able to restructure the whole system that was better and safer for everyone. Everyone would include the defendant, Bondsman, and the bail bonds company that was on the hook for thousands of dollars. What I found was that if you just talked to a person and let them know all their details and options it took the fear away. A lot of people came back to court on their own when they found out someone (me) was willing to help them get back on track. I would call the judge’s chambers, attorneys, clerks whoever was willing to help me to get a person back on track. The end result was not only did that save millions of dollars it was safer for the public. I prefer to be efficient and effective.
We’ve been impressed with Dana, Bail Bond and Insurance Services LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have a bail bond agency, and I am a life insurance broker. The way my contracts are set up, I am a boss that can set up the contracts to make other bosses. Kind of like a franchise. At the moment, it is just me. I have colleagues that give me advice and help with certain aspects, but ultimately, I run the entire agency. I am the boss, the agent, the bookkeeper, and the content creator. It’s not easy, but you learn how to be a better leader. When a family contacts me, they always leave well informed even if I don’t make any money. I am known for being professional at all times. When time permits, my company will sponsor a group in my community. Such as children’s leagues, church events, food drives, and wherever I can give back. My 5-star Google reviews really touched me. After reading what families wrote about my services, I knew my calling wasn’t a dream. Families go through hardships, and I don’t see dollars I see human beings that just want a chance to get back on track. Isn’t that what we all want in our lifetime
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something most people don’t know is I am a licensed electrician. That is a career completely opposite of what I do now. It is a career that could have made me a lot of money, but I put it aside. I see all the stressed-out faces of families, and I aim to make at least one person smile every day. If I can do that, then I have done my job. You can’t put a price on that.
Contact Info:
- Website: Danabond.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/danabailbondsandinsurance?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danabailbondandinsurance
- Phone: Experior Financial Group – 216-410-8911 my office is at 5900 Detroit Ave Cleveland, Ohio 44102
Image Credits
Yolandi
